The Heroes of the Torah: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Shmuel Aber
In Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty (Part 2), the episode continues with Noami and Rus’s arrival in Beis Lechem at the start of the barley harvest. The podcast explains the significance of the Omer offering and how the agricultural cycle shaped daily life. We see the poverty of Noami and Rus as they return home with nothing, prompting Rus to step forward with a plan to gather leftover grain from the fields. The laws of Leket, Shichacha, and Peah are introduced, giving deeper context to Rus’s decision to collect what was left behind for the poor.The story then shifts to the field itself, where Rus’s humility and modest behavior stand out. Her quiet dignity quickly draws attention when Boaz, a respected leader in Beis Lechem, arrives and inquires about her. After investigating her background, Boaz is impressed by Rus’s loyalty and character. Their first conversation unfolds with kindness and generosity, culminating in Boaz inviting Rus to join him for a meal—an invitation that marks the beginning of a powerful bond and the next step in Rus’s path from poverty to royalty.
00:00 - Intro and Recap
01:11 - Noami and Rus Arriving in Beis Lechem
01:36 - Understanding the Omer Harvesting and Sacrifice
10:16 - Noami and Rus arrive to their house, penniless
13:25 - Rus's plan for collecting in the field
14:34 - Understanding Leket, Shichacha, and Peah
17:13 - Rus and Collecting Leket
20:52 - Rus's Modesty
22:35 - Boaz Arrives at the Field
25:30 - Boaz investigates Rus
35:26 - Boaz Talks with Rus
46:32 - Boaz Invites Rus to Eat
In this first episode of Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty, we begin the remarkable journey of Ruth, a Moabite woman whose unwavering devotion reshaped the future of the Jewish people. The podcast opens with an overview of the Book of Ruth, placing the story during the chaotic era of the Judges. We then explore Elimelech’s controversial decision to flee Israel during a famine and settle in Moav—a choice that brings dire consequences. His premature death is followed by the marriages of his sons, Machlon and Kilyon, to Moabite women, which eventually ends in further tragedy.
The narrative shifts to Noami’s return to Israel after losing her husband and sons. In a deeply emotional moment, she urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moav. Orpah ultimately turns back, and her path leads to an unexpected and dark legacy. Rus, on the other hand, clings to Noami with unparalleled loyalty, uttering the now-famous words of commitment. The episode concludes with Rus and Noami arriving in Israel, setting the stage for a story of redemption, faith, and the hidden roots of royalty.
00:00 – Introduction to the Story of Ruth
02:51 – When Did the Story Happen?
04:49 – Elimelech Leaves Israel During Famine
11:24 – Elimelech’s Punishment
12:07 – Machlon and Kilyon Marry Moabite Women
15:16 – Machlon and Kilyon Die
18:01 – Noami Prepares to Return to Israel
24:29 – Noami Urges Daughters-in-Law to Leave Her
29:53 – Orpah Turns Back. Her Story Explained
37:53 – Rus Clings to Noami
41:39 – Rus and Noami Arrive in Israel
This episode continues the story of Ovadiah, beginning with the showdown on Har Karmel and Ovadiah’s rise to prophecy. It explores the powerful message within the Book of Ovadiah and follows his legacy after his death, focusing on his widow's desperate attempt to repay his debts. The episode concludes with Elisha’s miraculous intervention involving oil and a reflection on the fall of King Yehoram.
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Eliyahu Competition on Har Karmel
08:30 - Ovadiah Becomes a Prophet
15:24 - The Book of Ovadiah
24:46 - Ovadiah Passes Away
26:38 - Ovadiah's Wife and the Remaining Debt
29:27 - Elisha's Instrcutions for Ovadia's Wife
37:21 - The Miracle of the Oil
41:23 - The Fall of King Yehoram
This episode explores the life and background of Ovadiah Hanavi (Obadiah), beginning with his ancestry and early years in the shadow of the wicked Omri dynasty. It highlights Ovadiah’s quiet heroism, including hiding a hundred prophets during King Achav’s reign and borrowing money with interest to save them. The episode builds toward the dramatic moment when Ovadiah meets Eliyahu Hanavi during a time of famine and national crisis.
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Ovadiah's Ancestry
02:31 - Early Life of Ovadiah
04:45 - The Dynasty of Omri
09:39 - King Achav
14:57 - Chiyel Rebuilds Yericho
18:24 - Eliyahu Hanavi and the Famine
23:00 - The Search for Eliyahu
26:55 - Ovadiah is Promoted
30:10 - Ovadiah Hides the Prophets
34:28 - Ovadiah Borrows with Interest
36:15 - Eliyahu is Forced to End the Famine
39:10 - Ovadiah Meets Eliyahu
This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Aharon Ben Avraham
Avigail, Part 2 continues to explore the life and legacy of one of the Torah's most fascinating women. This episode examines her connection to King Dovid, tracing key events in his timeline. It also delves into the story of Naval, his betrayal of Dovid, and the judgment that follows. The narrative highlights Avigail's wisdom and decisive actions during this critical moment in Biblical history.
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Recap
01:10 - Avigail Meets Dovid Hamelech
14:26 - Dovid Hamelech's Gratitude to Avigail
17:24 - Naval's Death
28:37 - Dovid and Avigail Get Married
30:50 - Avigail's Capture
35:47 - Kilaev, Son of Avigail
43:04 - Final Note
Avigail, Part 1 explores the life and legacy of one of the Torah's most fascinating women. This episode examines her connection to King Dovid, tracing key events in his timeline and the significance of his anointing. It also delves into the story of Naval, his betrayal of Dovid, and the judgment that follows. The narrative begins to highlight Avigail's wisdom and decisive actions during this critical moment in Biblical history.
00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Starting Questions on Avigail
01:09 - Timeline of Dovid Hamelech
01:55 - Family Tree of Yehudah
03:57 - Anointing of King Dovid
24:12 - The Secret of the Anointing
25:23 - The Passing of Shmuel Hanavi
29:36 - Who was Naval?
36:25 - Who was Avigail?
39:03 - Dovid Helps Naval
43:29 - Dovid Asks Naval for Help
48:35 - Naval's Response to Dovid
50:25 - Naval is Judged for Treason
55:16 - Avigail Finds Out
Part 2. Yoel Hanavi prophesized during one of the worst (famine and locust) disasters in Jewish History. He lived through the disaster himself and is also the author of the book of Yoel (in the Trei Asar, also known as the Minor Prophets). His book also contains some of the most fascinating prophecies about what the world will be like right before Moshiach comes.
00:00 - Intro and Recap
02:00 - Elisha Hanavi and the Assassin
05:04 - Elisha's Prophecy of the Famine's End
07:55 - The End of the Aram War
12:28 - 4 Lepers and an Empty Camp
24:34 - The End of Yoel's Famine
34:43 - Nochum, the Student of Yoel
35:45 - Yoel's Prophecies About Moshiach
40:03 - The Children of Yoel
41:11 - Yaakov Avinu and Yoel
Yoel Hanavi prophesized during one of the worst (famine and locust) disasters in Jewish History. He lived through the disaster himself and is also the author of the book of Yoel (in the Trei Asar, also known as the Minor Prophets). His book also contains some of the most fascinating prophecies about what the world will be like right before Moshiach comes.
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - Yaakov's Vision of Future Events
03:09 - A son of Shmuel Hanavi
07:56 - Yoel, the Judge after Shmuel Hanavi
16:40 - Yoel's Teshuvah
18:57 - Yoel's Warning of Locust
29:12 - Yoel's Call for Teshuvah
32:15 - The Start of the Locust
32:47 - Elisha Hanavi and the Famine
40:01 - King Yehoram's Reaction to the Famine
The final installment of the story of the life of Shimshon Hagibor, (Samson and Delilah).
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Shimshon’s Rulership and End of Leadership
07:06 - Going Down to Azza
17:10 - Marrying Delilah and Understanding Delilah
26:20 - Plishti Officers Bribe Delilah
33:10 - Delilah Pressing for Shimshon’s Power
50:19 - Shimshon’s Blinding and Imprisonment
55:55 - Plishtim’s Celebration Followed by Shimshon’s Revenge
1:06:50 - Shimshon’s Burial and Legacy
Shimshon’s Wife Betrayal
Discussion of Shimshon’s wife is given to another man and the differing opinions on why Shimshon was angry, including betrayal and infidelity.
The Wheat Harvest & Shimshon’s Return
Shimshon returns after a year, bringing a goat to reconcile with his wife, only to discover she’s been remarried. His anger builds, setting the stage for his revenge.
Divine Providence and Timing
Exploration of how Shimshon’s timing coincides with divine providence during the wheat harvest, which amplifies the devastation he is about to unleash.
Shimshon’s Emotional Conflict
Further analysis of Shimshon’s internal conflict, his desire to take his wife back despite her betrayal, and the complexities of his decisions as guided by Hashem.
Shimshon’s Strategic Revenge
Shimshon’s calculated move to reignite conflict with the Plishtim without involving the Jewish people. The destruction of their crops is part of his wider strategy.
Justification for Shimshon’s Actions
Shimshon declares that his revenge against the Plishtim is just and that any mischief he causes is lawful due to their wrongdoings.
The Marriage Controversy
Discussion on the legality of the marriage of Shimshon’s wife to another man and how it publicly justified his vengeance against the entire Plishtim community.
Shimshon’s Foxes and Fire
Shimshon’s revenge method: setting 300 foxes with torches loose in the Plishtim fields, burning their crops, and causing financial ruin during the wheat harvest.
Plishtim’s Retaliation and Shimshon’s Response
The Plishtim investigate Shimshon’s actions, realize his power, and burn his wife and father-in-law alive to appease him. Shimshon, in response, promises greater vengeance.
The Great Slaughter: Hip and Thigh
Shimshon slaughters many Plishtim with a strange tactic, striking them “hip and thigh,” a phrase indicating a chaotic and brutal battle.
Shimshon Hides from the Plishtim
After the battle, Shimshon goes into hiding in a rock crevice, and the Plishtim gather their forces to confront him, aiming to capture him again.
Shimshon Captured and Freed
The men of Yehuda hand Shimshon over to the Plishtim, binding him with ropes. However, divine intervention allows him to break free.
Shimshon’s Victory with the Donkey Jawbone
Using a moist donkey’s jawbone, Shimshon kills 1,000 Plishtim soldiers, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his victory.
Shimshon’s Dehydration and Miraculous Revival
After the battle, Shimshon suffers severe dehydration and calls out to Hashem, who miraculously provides water, reviving him at the last moment.
The Importance of Praising Hashem
The story of Shimshon is connected to the lesson of praising Hashem in everyday life, drawing a parallel to a teaching of the Baal Shem Tov.
Shimshon Judges Israel for 20 Years
After his miraculous victories, Shimshon judges Israel for 20 years, providing protection and leadership against the Plishtim during their oppression of the Jewish people.
Dedicated Leilui nishmas:
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Abba halevi ben zusha
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Aryeh leib halevi ben yaakov
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Nachum hirsh ben efrayim
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Meir yitzchak ben avraham
00:00 - Introduction
00:29 - Shimshon’s Wife Betrayal
01:12 - The Wheat Harvest & Shimshon’s Return
02:25 - Divine Providence and Timing
03:39 - Shimshon’s Emotional Conflict
04:38 - Shimshon’s Strategic Revenge
08:56 - Justification for Shimshon’s Actions
09:57 - The Marriage Controversy
12:00 - Shimshon’s Foxes and Fire
16:26 - Plishtim’s Retaliation and Shimshon’s Response
19:43 - The Great Slaughter: Hip and Thigh
27:06 - Shimshon Hides from the Plishtim
32:02 - Shimshon Captured and Freed
37:22 - Shimshon’s Victory with the Donkey Jawbone
44:00 - Shimshon’s Dehydration and Miraculous Revival
47:14 - The Importance of Praising Hashem
58:32 - Shimshon Judges Israel for 20 Years
The Wedding, the Riddle, and Betrayal
Preparations for the Wedding
How Long was the Wedding Feast?
The Riddle
Timeline of Riddle Response
Was it a fair riddle?
Threat to Shimshon’s Wife
Shimshon’s Wife Begging for Answer and Shimshon’s Responses
Successful But Cheated Answer
Cheater’s Dilemma
Meaning of “Plowed with My Heifer”
Another Example of Cheated Riddles
Deeper Meaning behind the Riddle
Shimshon’s “Reward” for Betrayal
Killing 30 men in Ashkelon
Giving the Plishtim the reward (or half)
Leaving His Wife and His Wife Remarrying
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Yaakov’s Prediction of Shimshon
Shimshon and Moshiach
Moshe’s prophecy of Shimshon
Birth of Shimshon
Meaning Behind the Name: Shimshon
Shimshon’s Ruach Hashem
What is Ruach HaKodesh?
Shimshon Sees his Wife from Timnah
And Shimshon went down…
Shimshon’s Motive
Did the Woman from Timnah convert before?
Parents Objections to Shimshon’s Marriage
The Fight with the Lion and Meeting His Wife
Returning to the Lion’s Carcass
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Manoach and the Malach, The Angel’s Revelation, Manoach bringing the Korban, The Malach bringing the fire, The Malach leaves, Manoach’s panic from the experience, and Tzalalphonis’s Response
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Expanded Story of Shimshon Hagibor.
Shamgar ben Anas, Plishti Rise in Power, Tzelalphonis and the First Visit of the Malach, Status of Nazirus of Shimshon, Tzelalphonis Telling Monoach the Message, Manoach’s Distress.
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(3213) Fall of King Sancheirev of Ashur(3228) Delegation from Babylon visits King Chizkiyahu, at the behest of Berodach Baladan(3316) King Yoshiyahu.(3319) Rise of Nevuchnezzer and Babylonian Empire, conquered Ashur.(3320) Nevuchnezzer conquers Israel.(3321) Yirmiyahu gives the official prophecy.(3327) Golus Cheresh VeHamsger. Exile of King Yechonyah (and Mordechai).(3338) Destruction of the Beis Hamikdash by Nevuchnezzer.(3364) King Evil Merodach becomes King of Babylon.(3386) King Belshazzar becomes King of Babylon.(3389) Belshatzar, calculated 70 years (45 + 23 + 2) from the Rise of his grandfather Nevuchnezzer in the year (3319), makes a feast. End of Babylonian Empire.(3390) Daniel makes a calculation of 70 years, then recalculates.(3391) Koresh calculation of 70 years. Orders rebuilding of Beis Hamikdash.(3392) Achashverosh becomes King of the Persian Empire.(3395) Achashverosh’s party and his calculation of 70 years.(3408) 70 years from destruction. Rebuilding of Beis Hamikdash by Daryovesh II son of King Achashverosh and Queen Esther.
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The War of Sisra, Who was Sisrah?, The Jews who joined the Battle, The War, Sisrah and Yael, History of Yael, Chever and the Keinim, Who was Yael?, Sisrah Seeking Hiding, Killing Sisrah, Sisrah’s Mother, Shiras Devorah, Devorah after the War
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Story of Devorah
Devorah was the 4th Judge of the Jewish People. 2654 - 2694. Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 of Shoftim.
The Scene in Israel at the time. King Yavin’s Rise to Power. Devorah and Barack - Marriage and Gilgulim. Devorah the Judge. Devorah’s Teshuvah Movement. Preparing for War (Who was Barak?)
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The Story of Machar Chodesh. Convincing Yehonasan of the Danger. Dovid’s plan to Test King Shauls HeartYehonasan’s Plan to Reveal the Results to DovidThe Rosh Chodesh FeastWarning Dovid of the DangerDovid’s escape to Nov (Without Food)The Final Meeting Between Dovid and YehonasanThe War of Gilboa
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Quick Summary of Events. Yenosan’s Love for Dovid Hamelech. King Shaul’s “Jealousy” of Dovid Hamelech. Yehonasan’s Defense of Dovid
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Part 2 of the Story of Yehonsan (Jonathan), the Crown Prince of King Shaul.
- The Battle of Michmash
- Yohanasan Unwittingly Breaking the King’s Command
- Eating on the Blood
- Unanswered Urim VeTumim and the Lottery
- Unfinished War
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The story of Yehonasan (Jonathan), son of King Shaul, and Heir to the Throne.
Birth - Parents - Pilegesh Begivah - Gilgulim
King Shaul’s War Against the Plishtim
Assassination of Plishti Tax Collector
Yohonasan’s Rogue Mission
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Numbers of the Golus Cheresh VeHaMasger, Imprisonment of King Yechonya, the Reign of King Tzidkiyahu, Jailed King (Imprisonment and Teshuvah), Nevuchnezzer’s Insanity, Honor and Legacy, Zerubavel
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Jewish History of the Penultimate Jewish King; King Yechonya (aka King Yehoyochin). His Grandfather: King Yoshiyahu and his Three Sons, King Yehoyokim (hsi father) and Yechonya’s Childhood, King Yechonya and Three Month Reign, Yirmiyahu’s Prophecy concerning Yechonya, Nevuchnezzer’s Regret, Golus HaCheresh VehaMasger.
Part 2 will continue on the topic of Golus HaCheresh VehaMasger.
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- Tragic and Disturbing Story of the Fate of Yiftach’s Daughter
- Civil War between Ephraim and Menashe
- The Gilgul of Yiftach and Yiftach’s Daughter
Overview of the Story of the Vow
Appeasing Yiftach and his ascent to Leadership, Yiftach’s Debate with Amon, Yiftach’s Original Message to Amon, King of Amon’s Claim, Yiftach’s Response and Defense, Yiftach’s Divine Inspiration, Oath and Successful War
Yiftach was the Eighth Shofet/Judge of the Jewish People. He became leader approximately 150 years before the building of the first Beis Hamikdash and almost 300 years after Yehoshua leads the Jewish People into Israel.
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Yiftach’s Parents and Early Childhood
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Yiftach Moves to Tov
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Massive Idol Worshipping Movement
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Persecution of the Kingdom of Amon
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National Repentance and Pinchas’s Message (First Wave of Teshuvah, Hashem’s Response, Jewish People’s Response, and Hashem’s Response to Jewish Teshuvah)
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Appeasing Yiftach
How did the Jews feel confident to attack Dovid Hamelech?, Sending Scouts with Chushai’s Warning, Chushai’s Message, Escaping Avsholom’s Conquered City, Ending to the Story, Last Will and Testament and Death, Lubavitcher Rebbe's Explanation on his Final Letter, Achitophel and Afterlife and Moshiach According to Gemara
- Avshalom’s Assassination of Amnon, Escape and Return 2. Avshalom’s Cunning and Flattery 3. Avshalom’s Crowning in Chevron 4. Inviting Achitophel into the Coup 5. Dovid Hamelech’s Escape and the Plan with Chushai 6. Avsholom and Achitophel’s First Advice 7. Avsholom and Achitophel’s Second Advice
The Rise and Fall of Achitophel
Q: Who was Achitophel? How was it possible for such a Torah Scholar to fall so badly? What was his motives for betraying King David? Why did Achitophel commit suicide? Analyzing the meaning of his strange suicide letter?
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Birth and Origin
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The Wisdom of Achitophel
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Bringing Aron to Yerushalayim
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Building Foundations of Beis Hamikdash
Final Instalment of Jonah the Prophet: Second Ninveh Prophecy and Ninveh’s Teshuvah, The Teshuvah of Nineveh, The Aftermath and Yonah Watching the City, The Lesson of the Kikoyon, Ninveh’s Downfall, The Segulah of Maftir Yonah, The Rebbe Explains Yonah and Simchas Beis Hasha’eva
Yonah Runs away and the Storm Aboard the Ship, 1) Why did Yonah run? 2) How did Yonah think that he could run from Hashem? 3) Why wasn’t Yonah punished for running away and suppressing his prophecy?, Yonah Inside the Fish (not the whale), Second Ninveh Prophecy
Part 2 of Jonah the Prophet. Anointing Yehu as King of The Northern Kingdom, Prophecy of Expanded Conquests, Prophecy of the Destruction of Beis Hamikdash
Part one of Jonah and the "Whale", Birth and Resurrection of Yonah, Backstory of the Northern Kingdom and King Achav, Early Years - Becoming a Prophet
Continued from Part 1 of the Early Life of Moshe. King of Ethiopia, Honorable Discharge, Midian and Tziporah, and Yisro, Moshe’s Children
What happened to Moshe (Moses) between his escape from Egypt and his return to be the Jewish Leader. Moshe left Egypt at age 12 or 18 and returned at the age of 80? What happened during that time? Moshe used a staff during Egypt and in the desert. Where did it come from? What did it look like? Why did Balaam hate Moshe so much and why was Bilaam so threatened by him?
Moshe’s Birth - Drowning in the Nile - Moshe Growing up in the Palace - King of Ethiopia
Officially Annulling the Decree, The New Decree, Mordechai’s Success and the Two Days of War, The Festival of Purim and Writing of the Megillah, After the Purim Story
Continued Story from Part 3 of Esther's First Feast. The Aftermath from the First Feast. Haman’s Humiliation. The Second Feast and Haman’s Fall from Grace
Continued from Part to of Queen Esther. Esther’s Dilemna and her Conversation with Mordechai. Esther’s Fast. Going to Achashverosh. Esther's First Feast
Continued from Part of the Queen Esther Story.
King Achashverosh's Quest to Discover Esther’s Origin.
The Assassination Attempt on Achashverosh.
Haman's Plot against the Jews and the Jewish Upheaval
Esther’s Dilemna and her Conversation with Mordechai
The Complete Story of Queen Esther. Part 1 of 4.
(3338) Destruction of the First Jewish Temple. (3359) Esther was born. (3392) Achashverosh becomes King. (3395) Achashverosh’s Party and Killing of Vashti. (3395 - 3399) The Beauty Contest
1) Early Life and Ancestry
2) Beauty Competition
3) Esther’s Capture and Unwilling Entry into the Contest
Part 3 of the Story of Calev (Caleb) Ben Yefuneh: Conquering of Chevron, Conquering of Devir, Achsa and Osniel Ben Kenaz, and the Gilgul and second marriage of Kalev.
Continued from previous class.
In this section we discuss the second Spying for Moshe and the Spying Expedition for Yehoshua (Yehoshua’s Instructions, The Mission, Rachav Saving the Spies).
Story of Kalev Ben Yefuneh.
Early Life and Ancestry, Marriage to Miriam, Miriam and Kalev’s Children, Chur and the Battle Against Amalek, The Murder of Chur, The Building of the Mishkan by Betzalel, Calev: The Successful Spy for Moshe, Detouring at Chevron, and Spies vs Kalev and Yehoshua.
Story of King Chizkiyahu and Yeshaya Hanavi, Babylonian Envoy, Passing of King Chizkiyahu, King Menasheh and the passing of Yeshaya Hanavi.
Continued from part 1. The Story of Yeshaya Hanavi (Isaiah the Prophet)
- Part 6 - King Chizkiyahu’s Movement of Teshuvah
- Part 7 - King Chizkiyahu and Strengthening his Position
- Part 8 - King Chizkiyaku’s War against Sancheriv and Yeshaya's Prophecies of Salvation
- Part 9 - Chizkiyahu’s Illness and Yeshaya's Prophecy of Doom and Recovery
The story of Yeshaya Hanavi. A member of the Royal Family of King David, Killed by axe-wielding soldiers, one of the most prolific contributors of the Haftorahs, one of the longest-living prophets, and one of the most fruitful sources of what the world will be like when Moshiach comes.